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Topic: The ultimate in Czech glass (Read 3285 times)

OK, I admit it. Envy has nibbled at my toes a couple of times this week, Anik with her Matura vase and Michael with his Hlava piece. But with arrival this morning of Evi, the wonder postwoman, I envy no more!

Now, I know some of you will look at the little glass thistles and think it somewhat sad, pathetic even, that the Scotsman so far from home should take such solace from two little pieces of glass made in Czechoslovakia, whose main recommendation is that they are in the shape of thistle, all consideration of nemo me impune lacessit aside. However, the true tartan aficionado will recognize as I do (my first job was in a, no, the tartan mill) that the lid of the box that contains these little gems is the rare and much sought after tartan, the MacParik tartan.

It's named, we are led to believe, after Jindrich MacParik, who came to Scotland in the 1920's, whispered words of wisdom in Ysart ears, one night quietly showed Edinburgh & Leith workers how glass should be cut, and, playing under an assumed name, scored the winning goal for Airdrieonians the one time they won Scottish Cup.

I stress that, because of the incredible sentimental value it has for me, this item is not for sale. However, please consult your bank manager first if you are considering making me an offer.

Classy glass David! I have never seen something so clearly designed for the export market in my life! I wonder if there is a Shamrock shaped version with a green box too! Jindrich may recognise the factory pattern too, though I slightly doubt the extistance of a MacParik tartan!

No it's not tongue in cheek entirely; Carolyn and David both live in Canada. David is an ex-pat Scot and Carolyn's husband has Scottish roots. They don't find them in Canada. Carolyn collects Scottish kitsch (most of which was/is never made in Scotland).